Solidarity Meeting for the 2024 Cluster V Athletic Meet: A Unified Commitment to Excellence

The long-awaited Cluster V Athletic Meet is set to bring together athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters in a celebration of sportsmanship, competition, and unity. To ensure the smooth running of the event and the highest standards of professionalism, a solidarity meeting was organized for coaches and officiating officials. The meeting, which began at 7:30 AM on the scheduled day, was designed to align all participants and stakeholders in preparation for the upcoming games.

The Opening Program: Setting the Stage

The gathering started promptly with registration at 7:30 AM, where officials, coaches, and tournament organizers checked in and received materials for the day’s proceedings. This was followed by an opening program at 8:30 AM, during which participants were warmly welcomed.

The program began with a lively display of local spirit, as the host acknowledged each municipality by shouting their famous chants. This part of the event brought an atmosphere of excitement and pride as everyone embraced their community identity, reinforcing the communal nature of the games.

Ma’am Emilia L. Englis, PSDS of LCII, gave the first official welcome address. She urged the delegates to reflect on what truly brings everyone together—not just the competition, but the shared values of camaraderie, discipline, and teamwork that define the spirit of sports. Ma’am Ma. Tressa G. Elbanbuena, PSDS of LCI, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt message focused on the importance of harmony and mutual understanding. She reminded everyone that despite the competitive nature of the games, we are all part of one DepEd family, working toward common goals: promoting education, teamwork, and respect through sports.

Updates on Event Logistics and Roles

The meeting then proceeded with updates on event logistics and key roles. Sir Joemer A. Javier, Master Teacher I from LCNHS, provided an elaborate discussion on the parade route and the opening program, outlining the specific timelines and procedures to ensure the event kicks off smoothly.

Following that, Sir Heinrich E. Hetrosa, LC1 District Sports Coordinator, presented the different tournament directors and playing venues for the Cluster V Athletic Meet. He ensured that everyone was familiar with the assigned venues and the corresponding sports coordinators. This was an essential step in providing clarity and ensuring a smooth transition between the various events.

Before the break, Sir Eric S. Bacolado Jr., LCNHS SHS Sports Coordinator, took the floor to review Division Memo 0631, S. 2024, providing an overview of important policies and guidelines for the meet. This was crucial in ensuring that everyone was on the same page regarding rules, regulations, and expectations.

Breakaway Sessions: Focusing on the Games

After the initial plenary, the meeting shifted into breakaway sessions focused on specific sports. These sessions allowed for more in-depth discussions on the various technical aspects of each event and how to ensure fairness, consistency, and proper conduct throughout the competition discussing the following:
1. Review of the Laws of the Game:
Each breakaway session began with a thorough review of the laws of the game for the respective sports. Coaches and officiating officials were reminded of the most recent updates to the rules, any changes in regulations, and the importance of maintaining integrity in their officiating. These reviews were delivered by tournament managers and experts in their respective sports, ensuring that everyone understood the nuances of the games.
2. Crafting of Agreements and Finalizing Ground Rules:
A significant part of the session was dedicated to crafting and finalizing the ground rules for each sport. These agreements were crucial to ensuring consistency and fairness in the competition. Officials and coaches discussed the specific rules for their sports and reached a consensus on how to handle various situations that might arise during the games, from disputes to unexpected challenges. The goal was to create a fair playing field for all athletes and ensure that the spirit of the competition was upheld.
3. Drawing of Lots for Game Schedules:
A pivotal moment in the meeting was the drawing of lots for the game schedule. This process ensured that the matchups for each event were determined fairly and without bias. It was done in an open and transparent manner, with representatives from each team present to witness the process.
4. Assignment of Officiating Officials:
The final part of the session focused on the assignment of officiating officials for each game, from the first round to the finals. Each sport was assigned a team of officials, ensuring that there would be a sufficient number of referees, judges, and other necessary personnel to oversee the matches. These assignments were made with care, with tournament managers ensuring that the officials were well-versed in the laws of the game and capable of handling any challenges that might arise during competition.

As the breakaway sessions concluded, the meeting was brought to a close with a collective sense of purpose and unity. Coaches and officials alike were reminded of the importance of their roles—not just as leaders of the teams and competitions, but as models of professionalism, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Written by Katherine Shane Lachica | Photos by Arangka Sports Media and Communication Team